Javanese culture is well-known for its politeness and respect for others. One of the ways this is expressed is through the use of “krama inggil”, a formal and polite language used in formal occasions, such as in court, religious ceremonies, and other important events.
Unlike everyday Javanese language, krama inggil is more complex and has a set of rules that must be followed in order to convey respect and politeness. In this article, we will explore the history and significance of krama inggil, as well as its usage in modern times.
History of Krama Inggil
The use of krama inggil can be traced back to the Majapahit empire, which ruled over Java from the 13th to the 16th century. During this time, the use of krama inggil was limited to the royal court and was used as a way to differentiate the nobility from commoners.
After the fall of the Majapahit empire, the use of krama inggil gradually spread throughout Java and became a part of everyday life. However, it remained a formal language and was only used in specific situations, such as in formal letters or when addressing someone of higher status.
Rules of Krama Inggil
The use of krama inggil is governed by a set of rules that must be followed in order to convey respect and politeness. Some of these rules include:
- Using passive voice instead of active voice
- Avoiding contractions and using longer words
- Using indirect language instead of direct language
- Using honorifics when addressing someone of higher status
These rules can make krama inggil difficult to understand for those who are not familiar with the language. However, they are essential in conveying respect and politeness in Javanese culture.
Usage of Krama Inggil in Modern Times
Today, the use of krama inggil is still prevalent in Javanese culture, although it is used less frequently than in the past. It is still used in formal situations, such as in court, religious ceremonies, and other important events. However, in everyday life, most Javanese people use a more simplified version of the language, known as “ngoko”.
Despite this, the importance of krama inggil in Javanese culture cannot be overstated. It is seen as a way to show respect and politeness to others, and it is still taught in schools and universities as a part of Javanese language and culture.
Conclusion
Krama inggil is an important part of Javanese culture and is a way to show respect and politeness to others. Its complex rules and formal structure can make it difficult to understand for those who are not familiar with the language, but it remains an essential part of Javanese language and culture.
If you ever have the chance to visit Java and experience its culture firsthand, be sure to familiarize yourself with krama inggil. It is a fascinating aspect of Javanese culture and a testament to the importance of respect and politeness in everyday life.
